The import/export industry is growing rapidly, especially among smaller businesses now able to break into the international market thanks to the worldwide web and more efficient shipping methods available to the masses. Understanding not only the language, but the different cultural norms are essential to a successful overseas launch. When translating food labels for instance, it is also important to look at how the end product will be used and what information must remain in English for shipping or legal purposes.

The California Milk Processor’s Board’s short lived attempt to adapt the “Got Milk?” campaign is a classic example of getting lost in translation. Literally translated the billboards read, “Are you lactating?” Not the appeal you want to make to the primary food shopper.

With more than half of Mexico’s total global imports of $234 billion coming from the U.S. and valued at $129 billion dollars, are you missing out on growing the pie?